DVB-T reception poor

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lyndondrake

199 posts

Master Geek

#130668 23-Sep-2013 19:23

Hi,

Having ditched Sky, I find that my DVB-T reception is pretty poor (Glendowie, Auckland). The TV has a builtin DVB receiver, and I've connected it to a roof aerial. Any thoughts on whether there's anything else I can do? The TV is from the UK and gave perfectly acceptable DVB-T reception there.

I still have my Sky dish so I could get a DVB-S receiver, but I'm reluctant as from what I've read the HD channels aren't available on the satellite feed (which seems bizarre).

Lyndon

Inphinity

2704 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#901422 23-Sep-2013 19:35

Is it a good, modern aerial oriented optimally toward your nearest transmitter?

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lyndondrake

199 posts

Master Geek

#901433 23-Sep-2013 19:52

No idea — sounds like something i should check.

JimmyH

2738 posts

Uber Geek

#901530 23-Sep-2013 22:10

1. As the TV is from the UK, first of all check that it's built-in DVB capability is actually compatible with NZ broadcasts. I understand the systems are different. If it isn't, you will need a set-top box (or a new TV).

2. Check the condition of the aerial, that it is the right type (UHF not VHF etc), and that it is pointed the right way.

3. If it really is a reception issue, get a pro with signal meters and everything else to have a look. Maybe a higher gain aerial, a mast-head amp, a replacement of sub-standard cable etc etc might be needed.

4. If this doesn't work then you are looking at satellite. And yes, the Freeview feed is not HD and the picture quality is relatively awful. You can get a HD satellite feed, but it requires paying for Sky.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#901546 23-Sep-2013 22:36

JimmyH: 1. As the TV is from the UK, first of all check that it's built-in DVB capability is actually compatible with NZ broadcasts. I understand the systems are different. If it isn't, you will need a set-top box (or a new TV).

+1
Freeview in NZ uses a different system so a UK TV won't work here except on analogue.

mm1352000

1149 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#901912 24-Sep-2013 14:06

B1GGLZ:
JimmyH: 1. As the TV is from the UK, first of all check that it's built-in DVB capability is actually compatible with NZ broadcasts. I understand the systems are different. If it isn't, you will need a set-top box (or a new TV).

+1
Freeview in NZ uses a different system so a UK TV won't work here except on analogue.

They both use DVB-T. UK sometimes offsets their channels by 167 kHz.
Freeview UK also has a couple of DVB-T2 (like Igloo) transmitters in some areas... but DVB-T2 tuners should be backwards compatible with DVB-T.
Freeview UK has a slightly different MHEG profile.

Are those the only differences? I can't see any technical reason why the TV should not be able to at least tune the channels.

lyndondrake

199 posts

Master Geek

#901921 24-Sep-2013 14:14

I had no problem tuning. It's just that when it rains heavily the picture breaks up, and sometimes the same happens when it isn't raining.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#901930 24-Sep-2013 14:30

Sounds like an aerial problem then.
What sort of aerial do you have and what condition is it in?

trig42

5372 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Subscriber

#901972 24-Sep-2013 15:56

Can you see the Sky Tower?

I would have thought that unless you live in a gully, Glendowie would be pretty good for Freeview Terrestrial.

I would be checking aerial and cables also.

lyndondrake

199 posts

Master Geek

#901994 24-Sep-2013 16:48

We are somewhat in a gully, and in particular we can't see the Sky Tower (we're near West Tamaki Road). I'll check the aerial and see if there's anything obvious. It's a shame the Freeview satellite feed is poor, otherwise that'd be my preferred option...